Grammys See Increased Celebrity Pushback Against Immigration Crackdown

Artists use red carpet to protest ICE presence and deportation policies

Feb. 1, 2026 at 5:31pm

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At this year's Grammy Awards, more celebrities wore pins and made statements protesting the Trump administration's immigration crackdowns and the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in cities like Minneapolis. Organizers said the music industry crowd tends to be more willing to take political stands compared to Hollywood awards shows. However, some artists may face personal risks or industry pressure that prevents them from speaking out.

Why it matters

The Grammys represent a high-profile platform for artists to voice their opposition to the administration's immigration policies, which have faced growing public backlash following incidents like the shooting death of a nurse by a Border Patrol officer and the detention of a 5-year-old child. The music industry's rebellious spirit also makes it more conducive to political protest compared to the more risk-averse Hollywood awards circuit.

The details

Activists worked with celebrities' teams to distribute protest pins for the Grammys red carpet, and artists like Jason Isbell, Margo Price, Kehlani and Rhiannon Giddens were among those who wore them. Joni Mitchell wore an 'ICE OUT' pin while accepting an award, and Kehlani cursed ICE in her acceptance speech. Bon Iver's Justin Vernon said he wore a whistle to honor legal observers documenting federal agents' actions. At the Sundance Film Festival the previous week, stars like Natalie Portman and Olivia Wilde also wore 'ICE OUT' pins.

  • The Grammys ceremony took place on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
  • The Sundance Film Festival was held the previous week.

The players

Jess Morales Rocketto

The executive director of the Latino advocacy group Maremoto, who organized the distribution of protest pins for the Grammys.

Becky G

A Mexican American singer who had an explicit anti-ICE message on the nails she wore to the MusiCares Person of the Year gala earlier in the week.

Justin Vernon

The lead singer of the band Bon Iver, which was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album.

Natalie Portman

An actress who wore an 'ICE OUT' pin at the Sundance Film Festival.

Olivia Wilde

An actress who wore an 'ICE OUT' pin at the Sundance Film Festival and spoke out against ICE's actions.

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What they’re saying

“These pins are about so much more than a red carpet moment. It's about people taking a stand and doing what they can to show up to say that ICE should be out of our communities.”

— Jess Morales Rocketto, Executive Director, Maremoto (AP News)

“I think there's a reason that music exists and it's to heal and to bring people together. But the real work are those observers on the on the ground in Minneapolis. We just want to want to shout them out.”

— Justin Vernon, Lead Singer, Bon Iver (AP News)

“It's really difficult to be here and to be celebrating something so joyous and beautiful and positive when we know what's happening on the streets. Americans are out on the streets marching and demanding justice, and we're there with them. And if we can do anything with our platforms, you know, we can speak out and demand that ICE get out.”

— Olivia Wilde (AP News)

“I'm so lucky to be here in a joyful, creative community celebrating a movie we're really proud of. But it's impossible to ignore what ICE is doing to our country. And I'm very inspired, though, by all of the amazing, amazing Americans who are coming out and supporting each other and being there in communities. It's beautiful.”

— Natalie Portman (AP News)

What’s next

The Trump administration has threatened to place ICE agents at the upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance by Latin music star Bad Bunny, raising concerns about the safety of Latino artists who may speak out against immigration policies.

The takeaway

The Grammys and other high-profile entertainment events have become platforms for celebrities to voice their opposition to the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, reflecting a growing cultural revolt against these policies. However, some artists may face personal risks or industry pressure that prevents them from fully embracing political protest.